Logging Can Be Dangerous
Logging is one of the most dangerous occupations. By its physical nature it is a very difficult job with little room for error. Loggers are often dealing with the massive weight and irrestible momenthum of falling, rolling, sliding trees and logs, treacherous terrain and changing weather conditions. A momentary lapse of concentration can produce crippling injuries and death. These factors, along with the use of the always potentially dangerous chain saw, have kept the logging industry consistently among the most hazardous. Loggers have a higher risk of injury than workers in most other industries, their injuries are much more serios and result in more lost time than the injuries of most other workers. Loggers have a higher incidence of fatalities than workers in other industries. Timber-cutters and loggers have a higher "deaths per 100.000" figure than airplane pilots or minors! / J. Paul. Leigh, San Jose State University / Some decades ago the only ones operating chain saws were professional loggers. Today a chain saw is a common tool for ranchers, farmers and homeowners. With increasing numbers of chain saws in the hands of non professionals and "weekend woodcutters", chain saw related injuries have increased dramatically. The very speed and power the chain saw brings to its work demand the most diligent and constant regard for safety. And that is a fact even if chain saws nowadays are equipped with hand guards, low-kickback bars and chains, safety-tips, chain brakes, throttle locks. and antivibration systems. It is very important to have chain saw operators, professional loggers and amateurs, understand the hazards to which they are exposed, and how to work safely in spite of these hazards. Training of chain saw operators in the right logging techniques for safety is very important for accident prevention.	Chain saw operators have to understand the need for proper selection of personal protective equipment: leg protection, chaps and pants; protective footwear/safety boots; hard hats with eye or face protection and ear protection; protective gloves and personal first aid kits. Protective Equipment is not a guarantee for not beeing injured or killed when working with a chain saw. But it will give a much better chance in an accident to reduce the injury. It's like a car seat belt. It does not prevent accidents but is designed to reduce the severity of an injury of an accident. The right techniques, when working with a chain saw, reduce the risk of being involved in an accident. The purpose of this guide is to give a brief understanding of the importance of training, techniques, safety and personal protective equipment when operating a chain saw. Currently in the US there are 17.000.000 chain saw owners. Like a firearm, improper use of a chain saw can result in servere maiming or death. The chain saw cannot kill you by itself. It is and can be a friendly tool providing the owner with wood fuel; removing storm debris; general cleanup and many other useful function

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